Covers for plating barrels and the like

ABSTRACT

A cover for plating barrels having a closure panel which carries locking structure for engaging the barrel in more than one location along the sides of the panel. The locking structure along at least one side of the closure panel is operated by movement of a single member carried by the panel.

United States Patent Thomas R. Glll Cleveland, Ohio Oct. 29, 1969 Division of Ser. No. 618,070, Feb. 23, 1967, RQENQ- 591 5 June 8, 1971 GS Equipment Company inventor Appl. No. Filed Patented Assignee COVERS FOR PLATING BARRELS AND THE LIKE 17 Claims, 10 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl 292/149, 204/213, 292/301 Int. Cl E05c 1/04 Field 01 Search 292/42,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 488,509 12/1892 Sweeney 292/ 149x 935,284 9/1909 Thomann 292/149 1,704,854 3/1929 Burgess 292/149X 1,808,403 6/ 1 931 Eklund 292/48 2,035,633 3/1936 Bogle 204/213 2,717,064 9/1955 Hock 49/394 3,449,860 6/1969 Franks, Jr. et a1. 49/317 Primary Examiner-Marvin A. Champion Assistant Examiner-Robert L. Wolfe Attorney-Watts, Hoffman, Fisher and Heinke ABSTRACT: A cover for plating barrels having a closure panel which carries locking structure for engaging the barrel in more than one location along the sides of the panel. The locking structure along at least one side of the closure panel is operated by movement of a single member carried by the panel.

PATENTEU JUN men 35 3739 SHEET 1 [IF 3 0000000 Z Z Z Z o 9 ATTORNEY.

COVERS FOR PLATING BARRELS AND THE LIKE CROSSREFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is a division of application Ser. No. 618,070 filed Feb. 23, 1967 now U.S. Pat. No. 3,507,529 and entitled Covers for Plating Barrels and the Like."

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to plating apparatus, and more specifically to a cover for plating barrels.

The typical plating barrel has an elongated, relatively wide opening through which the articles to be processed can be placed in and later removed from the barrel. This opening is closed by a removable cover which is usually in the form of a flat panel. The cover panel must be locked in placed on the barrel in such a manner that the cover will not come loose when the barrel is rotated to impart a tumbling action to the articles contained therein.

A problem attendant to the construction of plating barrels of the type described has been the provision of satisfactory structure for locking the cover in place. In general the prior art devices and arrangements for locking plating barrel covers in place have been difficult and inconvenient to operate and have required frequent replacement because of rapid deterioration due to corrosion and other factors. As will be discussed in more detail, many of the prior art clamping struc tures and arrangements exerted pressure on only a small portion of the cover. As a result the cover would warp and frequently would have to be replaced.

One commonly used clamping arrangement of the prior art disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,886,505 consisted of a pair of spring clamps in the form of resilient metal strips coated with a corrosion resistant material. These clamps extended transversely over the cover panel and carried blocks which engaged the panel at longitudinally spaced locations. Since the clamps exerted pressure on only small, widely spaced locations of the cover, the cover could warp during repeated use and usually had to be replaced during the life of the barrel. The clamps themselves had a relatively short life due to weakening of the spring action, and it was not unusual for the clamps to disengage during a plating operation so that the entire load of the barrel was dumped into the plating solution tank. The individual clamps could be easily misplaced by the operator and were inconvenient to use because they had to be individually manipulated when locking the cover in place or removing it from the barrel. Further, the structure of the clamps was such that they were difficult to snap in place and could not be released or engaged by an operator standing at either side of the barrel. Because of the spring structure of the clamps, any acid or cyanide solution which remained on the clamps could fly back in the operator's face when he released or engaged the clamps.

Another conventional clamping structure disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,035,633 consisted simply of a relatively large spring. The spring was placed on the upper surface of the cover panel and had spring legs which engaged portions of the barrel extending lengthwise of the cover panel. Because of the necessary strength of the spring, this structure was difficult and inconvenient to use. Further, the spring was subject to relatively rapid deterioration and had to be frequently replaced.

Still another conventional cover disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,199,843 consisted of a panel which was mounted as a sliding lid. The lid was held in position by spring guides formed of metal and was slidable lengthwise of the barrel. One disadvantage of this construction was that the barrel could not be formed with a large opening extending the full length of the barrel. The barrel required fixed supports for the ends of the sliding lid and these supports restricted the size of the opening. Further, since the lid slid lengthwise of the barrel and projected beyond one end thereof when the barrel was open, it was not possible to use this cover arrangement in a barrel which was rotatably supported at its ends by a belt drive. Still another disadvantage was that the sliding arrangement necessitated a panel which had a planar lower surface. With such a construction, there is a tendency for small articles, such as shim stock or the like, to stick between the barrel and the cover.

Another conventional construction was comprised of a cover panel provided with individual locking members at its ends or along one side. In some instances the locking members were in the form of rotatable cam locks which engaged por tions of the barrel. In other instances the locking members were in the form of elongated strips which were moved transversely of the cover to engage undercut portions of the barrel. These known arrangements were such that all of the locking members could not be operated simultaneously and usually the locking members had to be individually manipulated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The plating barrel cover of the present invention is comprised of a closure panel on. which is mounted structure for releasably locking the cover in place on a barrel. The cover can be used in a barrel having an opening which extends the full length of the barrel between its ends, and is of the type which can be dropped in place to close the barrel opening. The entire cover including the locking structure can be made of plastic or other suitable corrosion-resistant material so that it has a long life and will resist deterioration.

An important feature of the invention resides in the construction of the locking structure and the manner in which the locking structure operates to hold the cover in place on the barrel. In one preferred embodiment the locking structure comprises a platelike member which is longitudinally slidable on the outer surface of the cover panel and is connected thereto. The sliding plate is provided with a plurality of rigid locking tongues which are spaced along the length of the plate and project laterally therefrom. In one position of the sliding plate, these laterally projecting tongues engage the barrel to hold the cover in place, and in another position of the sliding plate-the locking tongues are disengaged from the barrel so that the cover can be removed. The multiple locations of the locking tongues and the manner in which they engage the barrel provide a secure locking arrangement which cannot be inadvertently released during operation of the barrel. At the same time, the multiple locking tongues along each side of the plate prevent warpage of the cover. Another advantage of this embodiment of the invention is that the locking structure can be operated from either side of the barrel simply by moving the single sliding plate from one position to another. Since the locking structure forms a part of the cover itself and is carried with it, the new cover can be conveniently used and eliminates the problem of locking members being lost or misplaced.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking structure comprises a plurality of pivotally mounted arms which are mounted along each side of the cover panel and are operated simultaneously by reciprocation of a platelike member connected to the cover panel. As in the previously mentioned embodiment of the invention, the plurality of locking arms cooperate securely to hold the cover in place and to prevent warpage thereof. Further, the locking arms can be operated from either side of the barrel simultaneously so that the cover can be conveniently and quickly engaged and disengaged from a barrel.

In still another preferred embodiment of the invention the locking structure comprises two platelike members which are slidably carried by the cover panel. The platelike members are slidable laterally of the cover panel in opposite directions to engage portions of the barrel along the full length of the panel. As in the other embodiments, the new construction provides a secure locking arrangement and minimizes warpage of the cover.

In yet another embodiment of the invention the locking structure comprises a strip which is fixed along one side edge of the cover panel and a slidable strip which is connected to the opposite side edge. When the cover panel has been dropped in place, the slidable strip is moved to engage the barrel along substantially thefull length of the cover panel.

Each embodiment of the invention can be used in conjunction with conventional barrels and can be adapted to presently existing barrels with little modification of the barrel structure. The covers are relatively inexpensive and can be easily repaired and replaced. A further advantage is that all of the embodiments of the invention can be employed with beltdriven as well as gear-driven plating barrels.

Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a cover for plating barrels or the like which embodies new locking structure for releasably securing the cover in position.

Another object of the invention is to provide a cover for plating barrels and the like embodying locking structure which minimizes warpage of the cover.

A further object of the invention is to provide a cover for plating barrels or the like which includes locking structure as an integral part of the cover.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a cover for plating barrels and the like embodying locking structure which engages the barrel at a plurality of locations along the length of the cover and which can be operated by a single member.

Another object ofv the invention is to provide a cover for plating barrels or the like embodying locking structure which can be operated from either side of the barrel.

A further object of the invention is to provide a cover for plating barrels or the like having the features described above which can be used in connection with a barrel having an opening extending the full length of the barrel between its ends.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a plating barrel cover having the features described above which is further characterized by construction which prevents sticking of small parts between the cover and the barrel.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a cover for plating barrels or the like which is usable with both belt-driven and gear-driven barrels.

Other objects and further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a perspective view of a plating barrel which includes one preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, vertical cross-sectional view of the barrel shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the plating barrel shown in FIG. 1 with the locking structure of the cover in a locked position;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, but showing the locking structure of the cover in an unlocked position;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a plating barrel which includes another preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken on the line 66 ofFlG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a plating barrel which includes still another preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken on the line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a plating barrel which includes still another preferred embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken on the line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings and to FIG. 1 in particular, a typical plating barrel incorporating one preferred embodiment of this invention is generally designated by reference numeral 15. The illustrated barrel is of regular hexagonal cross-sectional shape and is comprised of a plurality of fixed sidewall panels 16 having rows of perforations or circulation holes 17. The sidewall panels 16 are mounted between ribs 18 which extend between the ends of the barrel. The ends of the barrel 15 are closed by barrel heads 19 which can be secured to the ends of the panels 16 and ribs 18 in any suitable manner, as by welding or cementing. As shown, the barrel heads 19 are formed with axially aligned openings 20 so that suitable electrodes can be inserted into the barrel in the usual manner.

In use the illustrated barrel 15 can be rotatably supported at its ends in a conventional manner by a suitable belt drive. To this end, the barrel heads 19 can be formed with peripheral belt grooves 21 (not shown). A more complete description of a belt supported barrel of the type generally described as found in U.S. Pat. No. 2,886,505, issued May 12, 1959. It will be understood, of course, by those skilled in the art that the foregoing construction of the barrel 15 is not limiting of the present invention and that it has been chosen only for the purposes of disclosing one typical barrel structure in conjunction with which the preferred embodiments of this invention can be used to advantage. The hereinafter described embodiments of the invention are equally applicable to other types of plating barrels, including barrels having more and less than six sides, as well as barrels such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 614,439, filed Feb. 7, 1967, and entitled Plastic Barrel and Method of Fabrication, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,439,900.

As shown in FIGS. l4, the barrel 15 is provided with a removable cover 25 which comprises one preferred embodiment of the invention. The cover 25 is adapted to be secured between two adjacent ribs 18a of the barrel 15 and is removable so that articles can be loaded into and removed from the barrel.

The cover 25 is comprised of a closure panel 26 and a slidable outer member 27. The panel 26 serves to close the barrel opening defined by the ribs 18a and the barrel heads 19, and the slidable outer member 27 functions as a releasable lock which holds the cover 25 in position when the barrel is in use. Preferably, the side edges of the panel 26 are recessed at 26a on the bottom surface of the panel. The outer member 27 has a length shorter than that of the panel 26 and is of larger transverse dimension. The side edge portions of the member 27 which project beyond the edges of the panel 26 are cut away at longitudinally spaced locations to form a series of regularly spaced locking tongues 28.

The panel 26 and the member 27 are connected together by knobs 29 so that the cover 25 can be handled as a unit. As is best shown in FIG. 2, each of the knobs 29 is comprised of a threaded end portion 30 and an enlarged shank 31. The

threaded end portion 30 of each knob 29 extends through an elongated slot 32 in the member 27 and is engaged in a threaded hole in the panel 26. The member 27 can be locked in a fixed position relative to the panel 26 by threading the knobs 29 into the holes of the panel so that the shank portions 31 are tight against the member 27. When the knobs 29 are loosened, the member 27 can be slid lengthwise within the limits of movement determined by the ends of the slots 32. As is also shown in FIG. 2, the panel 26 and the member 27 are respectively provided with rows of circulation holes 33 and 34. Preferably, the holes 34 are of larger diameter than the holes 33 so that the member 27 will not block the holes 33 when the member 27 is slid lengthwise and locked in position. A handle 35 is mounted on the outer member 27 to facilitate manipulation of the member and to permit the entire cover unit 25 easily to be placed on and removed from the barrel 15. Each of the barrel ribs 184 is provided with horizontal, longitudinally extending, stepped surfaces 40 and 41 which support the side edges of the members 26 and 27, respectively. The surface 41 of each of the ribs 18a is formed by cutting a notch 42 into the rib. The portion of each rib 18a which forms the upper wall of the notch 42 is cut away at longitudinally spaced locations to form spaced openings 43 which are adapted-to receive the locking tongues 28 of the member 27 when the cover 25 is placed on the barrel. The portions of the ribs 18a between the openings 43 define regularly spaced lips 44 which correspond in number to the locking tongues 28 and which overlie the locking tongues when the cover 25 is locked in position.

In use, the cover 25 is placed in the locked position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In this position the panel 26 closes the opening of the barrel and the recessed side edges 26a of the panel are engaged on the rib surfaces 40. As shown in FIG. 2, the inner surface of the panel 26 between the recessed edge portions 260 projects below the rib surfaces 40 to prevent small articles, such as shim stock and the like, from becoming lodged between the panel and the ribs. The locking tongues 28 of the member 27 are engaged on the rib surfaces 41 and the member 27 is adjusted lengthwise so that the locking tongues are disposed below the lips 44 of the ribs 180. The knobs 29 are threaded tight against the member 27 to hold it in the illustrated position wherein the tongues 28 and the lips 44 cooperate to securely lock the cover 25 on the barrel.

The cover 25 can be released and removed from the barrel by threading the knobs 29 outwardly to release the member 27 for sliding movement. The member 27 is then slid lengthwise to the position shown in FIG. 4 wherein the locking tongues 28 are aligned with the rib openings 43. When the member 27 has been moved to the position shown in FIG. 4, the entire cover can be lifted as a unit and removed from the barrel.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the described embodiment of the new cover 25 is easy to install and remove from the barrel 15. The locking structure comprising the tongues 28 forms an integral part of the new cover and can be quickly engaged or released from either side of the barrel simply by sliding the member 27 longitudinally of the barrel. At the same time, the several locking tongues 28 cooperate with the lips 44 to securely hold the cover in position under the weight of the charge in the barrel as it is rotated. The tongues 28 and the ribs 44 which are spaced along the full length of the cover 25 on both sides of the panel 26 also minimize warpage of the cover which has been a distinct problem in the past.

The construction of the new cover 25 is such that the barrel 15 can be formed with an opening which extends the full length of the barrel between the heads 19. As distinguished from prior art constructions, the portion of the cover which closes the barrel opening does not move longitudinally and the new construction therefore eliminates the problem of small stock sticking between the cover and the barrel ribs. The cover 25 together with the rest of the barrel 15 may be constructed of any material of suitable strength which will resist or can be protected against the corrosive action of the solutions encountered in use. Preferably, the barrel 15 including the cover 25 is made of a corrosion resistant plastic material, such as polypropylene, polymethacrylate, polystyrene, and the like. Since the entire cover 25 can be made of a corrosion resistant material such as plastic, deterioration of the cover and the associated locking structure is minimized. At the same time, the new construction is such that the cover can be easily repaired or replaced.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, there is shown another preferred embodiment of the invention which is designated by reference numeral 50. The cover 50 is generally comprised of a closure panel 51, a slidable outer member 52 and locking structure in the form of a plurality of pivotally mounted arms 53.

The panel 51, which is similar to the panel 26 described above in conjunction with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, has its lower surface recessed at 54 along the sides thereof and is formed with rows of circulation holes 55. The outer member 52 of the cover is relatively narrow and is shorter than the panel 51. If desired the member 52 may be formed with circulation holes 56 of larger diameter than the holes 55. The member 52 further includes longitudinally extending slots 57 near its ends and a centrally located handle 58. As in the previously described embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, the cover 50 includes knobs 29 which have threaded end portions 30 that project through the slots 57 into threaded engagement with holes in the panel 51. When the knobs 29 are threaded into the panel 51, the shank portions 31 engage the member 52 to hold it in a fixed position.

The locking arms 53 are spaced along each side of the member 52. Each of the locking arms 53 is mounted for pivotal movement about a pin 65. The pins 65 project upwardly from the panel 51 and rotatably engage the arms between their ends. The inner ends of the arms 53 are formed with slots 66 which extend longitudinally of the arms. Actuating pins 67 project upwardly from the member 52 and extend through the slots 66.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the cover'50 is mounted in association with a plating barrel 15a which is similar in construction to the previously described barrel 15. It is to be understood, however, that the cover structure 50 is equally adaptable to barrels of other constructions. The illustrated barrel 15a includes perforated sidewalls 16a which are mounted between ribs that extend between the heads 19a of the barrel. Two of the barrel ribs 68 cooperate with the heads 19a to define a barrel opening adapted to be closed by the cover 50.

The portions of the ribs 68 which extend along the sides of the barrel opening are formed with horizontal surfaces 69 which are adapted to seat the recess side edges 54 of the panel 51 and with longitudinally extending notches 70 which are of sufficient depth to receive the ends of the locking arms 53.

Movement of the member 52 serves to rotate the arms 53 through a limited angular distance about the pins 65. When the member 52 is in the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 5, the pins 67 are disposed at corresponding ends of the slots 66 and the outer ends of the arms 53 project beyond the edges of I the panel 51. When the member 52 is slid to the right, as

viewed in FIG. 5, the pins 67 move to the opposite ends of the slots 66 and serve to rotate the arms 53 to the broken line positions wherein the outer ends of the arms lie within the edges of the panel 51.

In use the member 52 is shifted to the illustrated broken line position so that the cover 50 can be positioned between the ribs 68 to close the opening of the barrel 15a. In this position the recessed side edges 54 of the panel 51 rest on the horizontal surfaces 69 of the ribs 68, and the portion of the panel 51 between the recessed edges 54 projects below the horizontal surfaces 69 to prevent small articles from becoming lodged between the panel and the ribs. When the cover 50 has been seated as shown in FIG. 6, the member 52 is shifted to the illustrated solid line position. This movement of the member 52 serves to rotate the outer ends of the arms 53 in a clockwise direction so that the ends of the arms are engaged within the slots 70. The knobs 29 are then threaded tight against the member 52 so that the cover is locked in position. The cover 50 can be removed from the barrel 15a simply by loosening the knobs 29 and then shifting the member 52 to the right as viewed in FIG. 6 to rotate the arms 53 out of engagement with the slots 70.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 7 and 8 which illustrate still another preferred embodiment of the invention designated by reference numeral 75. In this embodiment of the invention the cover 75 is comprised of a closure panel member 76 and two outer members 77 which are slidable laterally in opposite directions on the panel 76. The members 76 and 77 are preferably provided with the usual perforations or circulation holes 78 and 79, respectively.

The panel 76 may be similar in construction to the panel 26 described above in conjunction with the embodiment of FIGS. l-4 and is shown to include side edge portions which are recessed at 80 on the bottom surface of the panel. The combined width of the outer members 77 is less than that of the panel 76, and the two outer members are disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline of the panel 76. Each of the outer members 77 is formed with a pair of spaced slots 81 which extend transversely of the member and open on its inner side edge. A knob 29 is mounted in association with each of the slots 81. The knobs 29 have threaded end portions 30 which project through the slots 81 into threaded engagement with the panel 76. The enlarged shanks 31 of the knobs 29 are adapted to bear against and lock the outer members 77 in a fixed position when the knobs are threaded into the panel 76.

For convenience of disclosure, the cover 75 is shown mounted is association with a barrel 1512 which may be identical in construction to the barrel 15a described in conjunction with the embodiment of FIGS. and 6. Thus, the barrel 15b will be understood to include sidewalls 16b, ribs 68 and heads 19b. The ribs 68 and the heads 19b cooperate to define the opening for the barrel. The ribs 68 are formed with horizontal, longitudinally extending surfaces 69 and with longitudinally extending notches 70 which are disposed above the surfaces 69.

In use the knobs 29 are loosened, the members 77 are slid toward each other so that their outer edges lie within the outer edges of the panel 76, and the cover 75 is placed in the barrel opening so that the recessed edge portions 80 of the panel 76 are seated on the horizontal rib surfaces 69. The members 77 are then slid away from each other so that their outer edges project into the notches 70 to lock the cover 75 in position. The knobs 29 are then tightened to prevent movement of the members 77 when the barrel 15b is in use. When it is desired to remove the cover 75, the knobs 20 are loosened, the outer panels 77 moved toward each other, and the entire cover lifted as a unit by handles 82 connected to the members 77.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 9 and which illustrate still another preferred embodiment of the invention. The cover 90 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 includes a perforated panel 9i which may be similar in construction to each of the panels 26, 51 and 76 described in conjunction with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8. A locking strip 92 is secured to the top of the panel 91 along one side edge thereof. The fixedly mounted strip 92 has a tapered outer edge (FIG. 10) which projects beyond the side of the panel 91. A slidable locking strip 93 is also mounted on the panel 9! along the opposite side edge. As shown, the outer side edge of the strip 93 is tapered in a manner similar to the strip 92. The narrow striplike member 93 is formed with a pair of slots 94 which are parallel to each other and extend at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the member 93.-The threaded end portion 3! of a knob 29 projects through each of the slots 94 into threaded engagement with a hole in the panel 91. As in the other described embodiments of the invention, the knobs 29 can be tightened to lock the sliding member 93 in a fixed position. A lifting handle 95 is preferably secured to the panel 91 and an actuating handle 96 is connected to the strip 93.

The cover 90 is shown mounted in association with the barrel c which is similar in construction to the previously described barrels of FIGS. [-8. Thus, the barrel 15c includes perforated sidewalls 16c, ribs 97 and barrel heads 190. The ribs 97 and the barrel heads [90 cooperate to define the opening for the barrel. The ribs 97 are formed with horizontal, longitudinally extending surfaces 98 for seating the recessed side edges of the panel 91. A slot 99 which is preferably V-shaped in cross section is formed in each of the ribs 97 and extends along its length. The V-shaped slots 99 are adapted to receive the tapered outer edges of the strips 92 and 93.

In use, the knobs 29 are loosened and the striplike member 93 is slid to the broken line position illustrated in FIG. 9 wherein the tapered outer edge of the member 93 lies within the adjacent edge of the panel 91. When positioned in this manner, the fixed strip 92 can be inserted in one of the V- shaped slots 99 of the ribs 97 and the cover seated in the position shown with the recessed side edges of the panel 91 resting on the rib surface 98. The strip 93 is then moved to the solid line position shown in FIG. 9 so that the tapered outer edge of the strip is engaged within the other slot 99 to lock the cover in position. The knobs 29 are then tightened to secure the member 93 in the locked position. When the cover is removed, the knobs 29 are loosened and the member 93 is again moved to the broken line position so that the cover 90 can be lifted from the barrel.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that each embodiment of the invention provides a new barrel cover which has mounted on it a novel locking structure. In each instance the locking structure engages portions of the barrel along both side edges of the cover in such a manner as to securely hold the cover in position. Further, the locking arrangement is such that warpage of the covers is held to a minimum. Another important advantage of the described embodiments of the invention is that the locking structure along each side of the closure panel can be operated by'movement of a single member from either side of the barrel.

Many modifications and variations of the invention will ,be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing detailed disclosure. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically shown and described.

What I claim is:

l. A cover for plating barrels or the like comprising:

a. a closure panel having a multiplicity of circulation holes therethrough,

b. locking structure having portions extending along sides of said panel for locking it in a barrel opening, said locking structure including a member mounted on and connected to said panel for sliding movement between a lock position and a release position,

c. said member having circulation openings therethrough and presenting a continuous locking edge on at least one side of said panel,

d. and means for releasably securing said member to said panel in said lock position to prevent relative movement therebetween.

2. A cover as claimed in claim 1 wherein said member is mounted on said panel for relative movement in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of said panel.

3. A cover as claimed in claim 1 wherein said locking structure includes a second member presenting a continuous locking edge on the side of said panel opposite to said one side.

4. A cover as claimed in claim 3 wherein said second member is mounted for relative movement on said panel between a lock position and a release position.

5. A cover as claimed in claim 4 wherein both of said members are movable on said panel in a direction transverse to its longitudinal axis.

6. A plating barrel comprising:

a. side and end walls,

b. a pair of spaced ribs defining the sides of a barrel opening,

c. said ribs having portions for seating and lockingly engaging a cover for said opening, the cover seating and locking portion of at least one of said ribs including a notch ex tending along a side of said opening, and

d. a removable cover adapted to be seated on said ribs in locking engagement therewith,

c. said cover including:

i. a closure panel member shaped to seat on said ribs and to fit therebetween to close said barrel opening,

ii. a locking member on said panel member presenting a continuous locking edge engageable in said notch,

iii. means slidably connecting said locking member to said panel member so that said locking edge is movable laterally with respect to a side of said panel member, said locking member being slidable in one direction to move said locking edge laterally outwardly from said one side of said panel member into said notch and in another direction to move said locking edge laterally toward said one side of said panel member out of said notch,

iv. and structure along the other side of said panel member for lockingly engaging the other of said ribs.

7. A plating barrel as claimed in claim 6 wherein said locking member is mounted on said panel member for sliding movement in a direction transverse to said one side of said panel member.

8. A plating barrel as claimed in claim 6 wherein said locking member is mounted on said panel member for sliding movement in a direction which forms an oblique angle with respect to said one side of said panel member.

9. A plating barrel as claimed in claim 6 wherein one of said members has slot means formed therein, and wherein said connecting means comprises means secured to the other of said members and extending into said slot means.

10. A plating barrel as claimed in claim 9 wherein said slot means extends transverse to said one side of said panel member.

11. A plating barrel as claimed in claim 9 wherein said slot means extends in a direction which forms an oblique angle to said one side of said panel member.

12. A plating barrel as claimed in claim 9 wherein said means extending into said slot means is operable in one position to secure said locking member to said panel member against relative movement and in another position to release said locking member for movement relative to said panel member.

13. A plating barrel as claimed in claim 6 wherein said structure along said other side of said panel member comprises a second locking member slidably mounted on said panel member between a lock position and a release position, and means connecting said second locking member to said panel member.

14. A cover for a plating barrel or the like comprising:

a. a closure panel member having a multiplicity of circulation holes therethrough,

b. a locking member slidably mounted on said panel member for movement transverse to its length between a lock position and a release position,

c. said locking member presenting a continuous locking edge extending along one side of said panel member in said lock position,

d. locking structure along the side of said panel member opposite to said one side,

e. one of said members having slot means formed therein and extending in a direction transverse to the length of said panel member,

f. and securing means connected to the other of said members and extending through said slot means, said securing means being operable in one position to secure said locking member to said panel member against relative movement and in another position to release said locking member for movement relative to said panel member.

15. A cover as claimed in claim 14 wherein said locking structure comprises a second locking member slidably mounted on said panel member for movement transverse to its length between a lock position and a release position and means for releasably securing said second locking member to said panel member to prevent relative movement therebetween.

16. A cover as claimed in claim 15 wherein both of said locking members have circulation openings therethrough.

17. A plating barrel construction comprising:

a. side and end walls,

b. a pair of spaced ribs defining the sides of a barrel opening,

c. said ribs having portions for seating and lockingly engaging a cover for said opening, and

d. a removable cover adapted to be seated on said ribs in locking engagement therewith,

e. said cover including:

i. a closure panel shaped to seat on said ribs and to fit therebetween to close said barrel opening, said closure panel having a multiplicity of circulation openings therethrough,

ii. a first member slidably mounted on said panel between a lock position and a release position, said first member presenting a continuous locking edge for engaging one of said ribs in said lock position, iii. structure along a side of said panel for lockmgly engaging the other of said ribs, said structure including a second member slidably mounted on said panel for movement between a lock position and a release position,

iv. both of said members having circulation openings therethrough,

v. and means connecting said members to said panel. 

1. A cover for plating barrels or the like comprising: a. a closure panel having a multiplicity of circulation holes therethrough, b. locking structure having portions extending along sides of said panel for locking it in a barrel opening, said locking structure including a member mounted on and connected to said panel for sliding movement between a lock position and a release position, c. said member having circulation openings therethrough and presenting a continuous locking edge on at least one side of said panel, d. and means for releasably seCuring said member to said panel in said lock position to prevent relative movement therebetween.
 2. A cover as claimed in claim 1 wherein said member is mounted on said panel for relative movement in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of said panel.
 3. A cover as claimed in claim 1 wherein said locking structure includes a second member presenting a continuous locking edge on the side of said panel opposite to said one side.
 4. A cover as claimed in claim 3 wherein said second member is mounted for relative movement on said panel between a lock position and a release position.
 5. A cover as claimed in claim 4 wherein both of said members are movable on said panel in a direction transverse to its longitudinal axis.
 6. A plating barrel comprising: a. side and end walls, b. a pair of spaced ribs defining the sides of a barrel opening, c. said ribs having portions for seating and lockingly engaging a cover for said opening, the cover seating and locking portion of at least one of said ribs including a notch extending along a side of said opening, and d. a removable cover adapted to be seated on said ribs in locking engagement therewith, e. said cover including: i. a closure panel member shaped to seat on said ribs and to fit therebetween to close said barrel opening, ii. a locking member on said panel member presenting a continuous locking edge engageable in said notch, iii. means slidably connecting said locking member to said panel member so that said locking edge is movable laterally with respect to a side of said panel member, said locking member being slidable in one direction to move said locking edge laterally outwardly from said one side of said panel member into said notch and in another direction to move said locking edge laterally toward said one side of said panel member out of said notch, iv. and structure along the other side of said panel member for lockingly engaging the other of said ribs.
 7. A plating barrel as claimed in claim 6 wherein said locking member is mounted on said panel member for sliding movement in a direction transverse to said one side of said panel member.
 8. A plating barrel as claimed in claim 6 wherein said locking member is mounted on said panel member for sliding movement in a direction which forms an oblique angle with respect to said one side of said panel member.
 9. A plating barrel as claimed in claim 6 wherein one of said members has slot means formed therein, and wherein said connecting means comprises means secured to the other of said members and extending into said slot means.
 10. A plating barrel as claimed in claim 9 wherein said slot means extends transverse to said one side of said panel member.
 11. A plating barrel as claimed in claim 9 wherein said slot means extends in a direction which forms an oblique angle to said one side of said panel member.
 12. A plating barrel as claimed in claim 9 wherein said means extending into said slot means is operable in one position to secure said locking member to said panel member against relative movement and in another position to release said locking member for movement relative to said panel member.
 13. A plating barrel as claimed in claim 6 wherein said structure along said other side of said panel member comprises a second locking member slidably mounted on said panel member between a lock position and a release position, and means connecting said second locking member to said panel member.
 14. A cover for a plating barrel or the like comprising: a. a closure panel member having a multiplicity of circulation holes therethrough, b. a locking member slidably mounted on said panel member for movement transverse to its length between a lock position and a release position, c. said locking member presenting a continuous locking edge extending along one side of said panel member in said lock position, d. locking structure along the side of said Panel member opposite to said one side, e. one of said members having slot means formed therein and extending in a direction transverse to the length of said panel member, f. and securing means connected to the other of said members and extending through said slot means, said securing means being operable in one position to secure said locking member to said panel member against relative movement and in another position to release said locking member for movement relative to said panel member.
 15. A cover as claimed in claim 14 wherein said locking structure comprises a second locking member slidably mounted on said panel member for movement transverse to its length between a lock position and a release position and means for releasably securing said second locking member to said panel member to prevent relative movement therebetween.
 16. A cover as claimed in claim 15 wherein both of said locking members have circulation openings therethrough.
 17. A plating barrel construction comprising: a. side and end walls, b. a pair of spaced ribs defining the sides of a barrel opening, c. said ribs having portions for seating and lockingly engaging a cover for said opening, and d. a removable cover adapted to be seated on said ribs in locking engagement therewith, e. said cover including: i. a closure panel shaped to seat on said ribs and to fit therebetween to close said barrel opening, said closure panel having a multiplicity of circulation openings therethrough, ii. a first member slidably mounted on said panel between a lock position and a release position, said first member presenting a continuous locking edge for engaging one of said ribs in said lock position, iii. structure along a side of said panel for lockingly engaging the other of said ribs, said structure including a second member slidably mounted on said panel for movement between a lock position and a release position, iv. both of said members having circulation openings therethrough, v. and means connecting said members to said panel. 